Science

Researchers have created the first comprehensive library of genetic switches in plants, a tool that will better our understanding of how plants adapt to environmental changes and the development of more robust crop plants.

New Species

A new plant on the eastern Mediterranean coast has been described as the maternal ancestor of a species of hybrid origin, Reseda odorata, valued since Roman times for the fragrance of its flowers, and used in the ancient cosmetics industry.

Scientists have determined how key developmental genes influence growth of cells to produce such differences in leaf form. The researchers were able to make thale cress, which typically produces simple leaves, grow leaves similar in complexity to those of hairy bittercress, a related plant with complex leaves.